drones for yachts

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Drone delivery for yachts

From marinas to yachts in just 15 minutes!

cala del forte, Ventimiglia

OUR CONCEPT

Facilitate delivery at sea.

An online marketplace offers a wide selection of high-end and local products to meet all the needs of the crew and customers on yachts at sea.

Our drones can be safely driven by our team of remote pilots in the marinas equipped with our hub. Your orders will be loaded into the drones in these hubs before being delivered to you at sea. 

The delivery of products is ensured by our Beluga drones, which allow the transport of your parcel directly on the deck of the yacht in the best possible conditions: speed, safety, traceability.

A logistics hub combining efficiency, beauty and security

Our delivery hub

Marinas are equipped by Drones for Yachts with our logistics hub. They have been designed to blend in with the architecture of the port, thanks to their aesthetic appearance. Unlike conventional delivery hubs they are easy to dismantle, allowing us to adapt our offer to the seasons.

Deploy our hubs in your marina

A professional delivery drone the beluga, a silent and electric drone.

Inspired by the shapes of marine mammals and birds, our Beluga drones are 9 times quieter than their competitors on the market. Moreover, our drones are 100% electric, and therefore less polluting than the usual motorboat deliveries !

Endurance and speed

Our Beluga drones can fly for nearly an hour, go up to 110 km/h, and travel 40 km in a single flight. This remarkable speed allows us to get your parcel to your ship without constraints and to deliver it as quickly as possible.

Artificial Intelligence

Our professional delivery drones, the Beluga drones, are equipped with artificial intelligence and the latest Lidar system and with a GPS chip which allows them to detect your yacht at sea and locate it precisely. This is what makes the work of our pilots easier.

Storage capacity

Our drones have a carrying capacity of 5 kg. The Beluga drone can carry all types of high-end and local products: food, clothing or even medicine.

Receive your privilege pack by drone !

Our marketplace

The marketplace is accessible for each yacht in one of our partners marinas through an application or a browser. Thanks to our application, the customer, whether a crew member or not, can place the order and organize the shipment to the delivery area. Select your product, confirm your order and let our Beluga drones fly the last mile to your ship.

The Drones for Yachts marketplace, available on smartphones and web. Once you select the location of your marina, you have access to a wide selection of local and high-end products from our partners.

Need an ingredient for a recipe, batteries for a defective device or simply want a new perfume?

You can track the progress of your order on our app throughout the delivery process.

We offer the best products by working with prestigious brands and local merchants to deliver orders faster to the consumer. Interested? Join us!

Who are we?

Drones for Yachts is the first drone delivery service at sea. Our goal is to offer an innovative solution to the yachting world. Customer experience is at the heart of our DNA with a customized and exclusive service.

At Drones for Yachts, our mission is to make drone delivery accessible. Air delivery makes it possible to reduce the environmental impact while being faster and more secure. It also allows us to seamlessly deliver their order to our customers wherever they are.

Drones for Yachts is taking a leading role in connecting marinas and ports with yachts. We offer a complete delivery system from the marketplace to receiving the order at sea on the yacht.

Who can benefit use this service?

Are you a retailer? Our delivery drones allow you to develop your catchment area and create an unique experience for your customers.

Create differentiation and boost your sales by integrating drone delivery on your online platform!

Thanks to hubs and delivery drones, make the yacht customers of a delivery service at sea happy, without distorting the aesthetics of your waterfront: the hub blends into your environment!

Place an order from your cabin and have it delivered by drone in 15 minutes!

You are used to answering the most exotic requests of your clients? Now you can offer an innovative and revolutionary delivery service.

From now on, you no longer have to go on land to have groceries and drinks delivered quickly. Receive them directly at sea!

+10y working in major accounting companies in Paris as Deloitte. Previous CFO of a PME (25m turnover)

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Yachting World

• Digital Edition

Tested: 5 of the best drones for filming your yacht

• Toby Hodges
• August 17, 2018

If you want to take unique aerial stills or video footage of your boat or cruising grounds you no longer need a helicopter – a drone is now the smart, affordable choice. We teamed up with TrustedReviews.com to test the latest models in detail

Photo: Rob Melotti

Drones have really advanced over the past few years, with anyone now able to try their hand at piloting a device. Mini-drones are a great first dip in the water, with plenty of fun to be had piloting. Larger quadcopters practically fly themselves now, with a raft of automated flight modes featuring on models.

Not only are drones fun to fly, many are equipped with fantastic cameras to capture stunning aerial views that would be impossible to achieve via any other device – just look at Volvo Ocean Race footage for proof of that.

However, you need to fly sensibly, so be sure to read the Drone Code , which provides all the information you need to fly safely – being courteous to those around you at anchorages is key!

Read YBW’s guide to the best drones for sailing

Best drones for filming your yacht

Dji mavic pro.

Key features:

• Compact, foldable design
• 4K video/12MP images
• 40mph top speed
• Front collision detection
• 27-minute flight time

The DJI Mavic Pro is currently one of the best drones on the market. It is incredibly convenient to carry around thanks to a flexible design. Its arms and propellers fold down, making it barely the size of a water bottle.

That is all topped off with some advanced automated flight modes that let you capture some seriously stunning cinematic shots, plus fantastic quality 4K-video and 12-megapixel still images. Battery life of around 27 minutes is also very respectable.

If you want a combination of nimble flight and fantastic image quality then the DJI Mavic Pro is the best drone out there right now – although a more compact Mavic Air is now available too.

Rating: 5/5

DJI Mavic Pro deals

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Parrot bebop 2 power fpv.

• Includes Remote Control and FPV Cockpit glasses
• 30-minute battery life with two batteries included
• GPS & GLONASS
• 1080P video/14MP images

The Parrot Bebop 2 Power FPV is more of an update to the original Bebop 2 than a direct follow-up. The ‘Power’ in its name is demonstrative of the fact that its battery performance has improved, with an excellent 30 minutes of flight per battery.

Two batteries are included, giving an hour of flight in total. Parrot has been generous with other accessories for the price, too, with a remote control and FPV (first person view) Cockpit glasses, which really make for an immersive experience, giving you a view from above.

There are also automated shot modes, including ‘Follow’ object tracking, which provides a more hands-off experience when you want it.

Unfortunately, image quality isn’t as good as other drones – but the Bebop 2 Power is still a great value package overall.

Rating: 4/5

Parrot Bebop 2 Power FPV deals

• Palm take-off
• Gesture controls and quick shots
• 1080P video
• 13-minute flight time

DJI is adept at making diminutive drones, as the DJI Mavic Pro can attest. The DJI Spark is technically the company’s smallest drone – but only when compared to the unfolded Mavic Pro.

Its small size and light weight means it can take flight from the palm of your hand, so there’s no need to find a suitable take-off point. It also has return-to-home functions that will bring it back at the end of a session.

To make controlling the device even easier, you can use gesture controls to trigger actions such as ‘dronies’ for taking a photo and there are plenty of other automated shots for capturing great footage with minimal effort.

The standard DJI Spark package doesn’t come with a remote control, so you’ll need to use your phone for piloting. There’s a ‘Fly More’ combo pack that includes a controller and other accessories, which is worth stretching to for the best experience.

DJI Spark deals

Parrot mambo.

• Grabber and launcher accessories
• Bluetooth control from a smartphone
• Nine-minute flight time

While there are plenty of cheap mini-drones on the market from no-name brands, you know you are getting a quality device from Parrot.

The Mambo is tiny and lightweight, making it great for indoor fun – but it will happily fly outdoors as long as it isn’t too windy. There are two accessories included: a grabber claw and a pellet firing cannon.

Flight is controlled via your smartphone, with the remote controller being an optional accessory.

Battery life of around nine minutes is reasonably short, but it takes only 30 minutes for a full charge of the device. There’s a 0.3 megapixel camera that points downwards – so this isn’t really a drone for great photography.

Parrot Mambo deals

Gopro karma.

• Includes Karma drone, GoPro camera and Karma Grip gimbal
• 4K video/12MP still images
• 20-minute flight time
• 35mph top speed

GoPro’s first foray into drones wasn’t without its hiccups, but fortunately the company has ironed out the kinks. A number of updates have also improved the flight, including the addition of a greater number of automated flight modes.

The GoPro Karma is also now available with the newest GoPro Hero 6 Black action camera. The Hero 6 Black is the best action camera going, so this device is capable of capturing some fantastic video and still images.

There’s also the detachable Karma Grip gimbal for rock-steady footage that you can use separate from the drone. It’s taken a while, but GoPro has finally caught up to offer features seen on other similarly priced drones.

Rating: 3.5/5

GoPro Karma deals

Expert drone flying advice.

We asked renowned marine photographer Richard Langdon for his top five drone-flying tips:

• Practise, practise, practise until all the controls are second nature.
• Never fly close to people.
• Taking off from a moving boat, however slow, presents surprises. In GPS mode the drone will instantly want to hold position and could fly directly into someone’s head, a backstay or a VHF aerial.
• Keep a good eye on battery level.
• When returning your drone, especially if you don’t have visual contact with it, fly it forwards so that you can see what’s coming up through the camera.

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The 5 Best Drones for Sailing and Boating in 2023

Some of the links in this post are  affiliate links . This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain our own.

If you’re looking for the best drones for sailing , you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re exploring hidden beaches, secluded bays, top marinas , awesome anchorage places, or want to film your boat while sailing, you’ll need to carry a drone on board to capture the greatest moments of your sailing experience.

Sailing enthusiasts usually want to capture every moment they can while they are sailing and drones make the process easier than ever before. After a long sailing day, drone footage is the best way to relive your awesome experiences on the water.

What is the best drone for boating? That’s a great question! There are many drones on the market and it’s hard to decide. Let’s take a look at the best drones for sailing, boating, and any marine use.

The 5 Best Drones for Sailing

Drones are quickly becoming extremely popular, and if you take boating as a hobby or passion, you may be wondering what drones are the best for boating.

Now, almost anyone can buy a drone, but not everyone knows what to look for. I’ll be giving you some tips and pointers on what to look for when buying a drone and which drones are the best drones for sailing.

All drone models are extremely stable, powerful, have a great camera, and have a decent flight time.

Let’s discover the best drones for sailing and boating activities, and which ones are best for various situations.

Here are 5 of the best drones for boating and marine use.

DJI Mavic 2 PRO - Best Overall Drone for Sailing & Boating

DJI Mavic 2 PRO is exactly what drone lovers have been waiting for: performance and picture quality in a compact package.

The Mavic 2 PRO is one of the most recent DJI drones, and it is packed with state-of-art technology, a fantastic camera, and, most significantly, it includes tracking and follow-me features. This is without a doubt the best drone for boaters.

The Mavic 2 camera drone is equipped with a Hasselblad L1D-20c camera with a 20MP 1″ CMOS Sensor, which allows you to shoot breathtaking aerial photos in astonishing color detail (resulting in outstanding quality and detail captured at a resolution of 20 megapixels). The camera includes a built-in stabilization technology in order to improve the quality of photos and videos. Thanks to the bigger sensor and 28mm equivalent prime lens, the ISO can be increased to 12800, which is significantly higher than other drones.

It’s an extremely powerful drone and it provides a maximum speed of 44 mph and a flying duration of up to 31 minutes. Also, it has a max. transmission distance of 10 km.

Did you know that the DJI Mavic 2 PRO has a wind resistance level of 5? That makes the drone of the best drones for sailing and boating activities. This is one of the best drones for windy conditions, being an ideal choice for boating and sailing.

ActiveTrack 2.0, HDR Photos, Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing, and a low-noise construction are among the smart features included in the drone. The drone also offers features such as QuickShots (Rocket, Dronie, Circle, Helix, Asteroid, Boomerang, DollyZoom), POI, Waypoint, TapFly.

The drone can be purchased with the standard controller or smart controller (it is a bit more expensive but worth it). The smart remote controller can operate for up to 135 minutes on a single charge (on a full charge). Using the smart controller, you don’t have to worry if your phone has enough battery. The controller screen is also very bright and easy to see even in sunlight.

The drone has an internal storage of 8GB but accepts SD cards, allowing you to add up to 128GB additional storage.

If you’re a sailor and looking to take your hobby to the next level by capturing aerial footage, look no further. This is, in our opinion, the best drone you can get for sailing.

• Foldable design
• Easy to fly
• Amazing Image Sensor (20 MP)
• Great Quality of Images
• Great Color & Dynamic Range
• More Obstacle Avoidance Sensors
• Shoots slow-motion video up to 1080/120p and 4K/30p
• Better in Low Light
• Wind Resistance: Level 5

DJI Mavic Air 2 - Best Drone for Windy Conditions

By far, the best drone when it comes to boating is the DJI Mavic Air 2. This drone has several benefits that make it the ideal choice for someone searching for their first drone or just updating their current model. Let’s look at why this is one of the best drones for boating.

The DJI Mavic Air 2 is a small, portable drone specially designed for boating. It has a 4K Camera that can capture high-resolution photos and a great video capture resolution during the day or at night with built-in LEDs.  It includes a tracking and follow-me feature.

The Mavic Air 2 is a significant upgrade over its predecessor with a better range, a considerably longer battery life, all for the same starting price as its predecessor. It offers a good value for novice pilots and seasoned sailors alike. Anybody who has ever flown a drone knows that it can be tricky to learn. You have to master no-fly zones and keep an eye on your battery life.

The 1/2-inch CMOS sensor on the drone produces 48MP images, while the 3-axis gimbal enables 4K/60fps video. A high-performance Quad Bayer image sensor is the key to producing amazing HDR footage.

The Mavic Air 2 is designed for first-time pilots with its simple flight controls but offers enough features for more experienced users to enjoy using it every day. The Air 2 is praised for its portability, controllability, video quality, and overall image quality.

Moreover, due to its wind resistance (level of 5), Mavic Air 2 can fly in windy conditions, making it an excellent drone for boating and sailing activities. Weighing only 20.01 oz (570 g) and having a level 5 wind resistance, DJI Maic Air 2 is probably the best drone for windy conditions.

The Mavic Air 2 has simple shooting controls that make aerial photography easier than ever. While flying freely, Spotlight 2.0 keeps the camera focused on a target. Subjects are kept in focus with ActiveTrack 3.0. POI 3.0 follows moving things such as people and cars. OcuSync 2.0 has a video transmission distance of up to 6.2 miles / 10 kilometers and can give a livestream in 1080p FHD definition directly from the drone’s camera. The drone is lighter than the PRO version, weighing only 1.25 pounds (0.57 kg).

The point perspective camera offers smooth motion for exploring the sea and you while sailing, and the gimbal technology uses a 3-axis stabilization system to keep your photos/videos steady.

With an excellent battery life of up to 34 minutes (~9 km) and a maximum flying speed of 42.3 mph in Sport mode, you can stay in the air long enough to obtain the ideal images and footages.

The drone combo pack also contains a four-way charger connector, which can take four batteries and charge each one. You don’t have to change every battery because it does the job for you. It’s useful if you’re charging all of your batteries overnight.

We recommend you choose the Fly More bundle because it includes all of the things you’ll need to keep you flying in the field for a longer period of time.

Moreover, you don’t need a cell service in order to operate DJI Mavic Air 2. This is an ideal drone for boating and sailing.

iOS 10.0 (or above) or Android 6.0 or higher is required for the DJI Fly app.

• Good Value for Money
• Very Light (20.01 oz / 1.25 lbs/570 grams)
• Up to 34 minutes Battery Life
• 48 MP Camera
• Shoots slow-motion video up to 1080/240p and 4K/60p & hyper-lapses up to 8K

DJI Mavic 2 Zoom - Best Fishing Drone

For boaters who want to take their storytelling to the next level The Mavic 2 Zoom features a camera drone which is all about dynamic views, thanks to a 1/2.3-inch 12MP sensor with up to 4x zoom, including a 2x optical zoom (24–48 mm, compared to DJI MAvic 2 PRO which features an effective focal length of 28 mm).

If you want the greatest quality images and have a large budget, the Pro is the way to go; but, if you don’t have a large budget, DJI Mavic 2 Zoom is still quite excellent.

It features a flying time of up to 31 minutes, a top speed of 44 mph, and a 3-axis gimbal for stable photos. Due to its intelligent flight battery, the battery status is monitored in real-time.  It also provides a level 5 wind resistance, making it an excellent drone for sailing.

Mavic 2 Pro VS Mavic 2 Zoom : The Mavic 2 Zoom is the only drone that supports the Super Resolution function. When shooting in 24 mm equivalent 5, the camera will take and patch nine shots with its telephoto lens, resulting in a 48-megapixel super-resolution image. Compared to the Mavic 2 ZOOM version, DJI Mavic 2 PRO offers HDR and 10-bit DLog-M, while the ZOOM version does not offer these features. Also, the resolution of 4000×3000 pixels is lower in the Zoom version, compared to the Pro version: 5472×3648 pixels. Both drones provide ActiveTrack (Follow Me feature).

Are you trying to find the best fishing drones? As you know, Drone fishing serves two purposes: surveying possible fishing spots (essentially surveillance to discover the best spot) and dropping the bait.

If you enjoy both flying drones and fishing, Mavic 2 Zoom is one of the best fishing drones because it comes with some of the best features: good wind resistance, a 9km transmission range, 4K camera, excellent obstacle avoidance sensors, Return to Home and Follow Me modes. Moreover, Mavic 2 Zoom is a little fishing drone that you can simply transport, being able to use the zoom to identify the ideal fishing areas.

The Mavic 2 Zoom drone features an internal storage capacity of 8GB and SD card support up to 128 GB.

ActiveTrack 2, QuickShots (Rocket, Dronie, Circle, Helix, Asteroid, Boomerang, DollyZoom), POI, Waypoint, and TapFly are among the outstanding autonomous modes available on the Mavic 2 Zoom drone.

If you opt for the smart controller bundle, you should know that the main feature of the controller screen is the 5.5 inch ultra-bright display which means that in bright sunlight, this screen is much more usable than any mobile phone. This is one of the great advantages for any boater.

As for the internet connection, this is only necessary when you set it up for the first time, but you don’t need it after that.

Furthermore, they provide you a full-coverate and hassle-free. You can replace the drone for collision and water damage.

• Excellent Zoom Range (24-48 mm)
• Continuous Auto-Focus
• 4K with Zoom
• Obstacle Avoidance on All Sides
• Easy to Use & Foldable design

DJI Mavic 3 - Longest Flight Times Drone & Best Performing Drone

The Mavic 3 is now a game-changer for water sports. Have you ever gone surfing and wanted to record your session on the waves? Or maybe you’ve used drones to document your sailing trips before. But now, there are other drones that do a much better job at recording your water-based activities.

The drone has a 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad camera with a 12.8-stop dynamic range that preserves more details in highlights and shadows, elevating your work to a professional level.

Have you ever asked yourself which drone has the longest flight time? If yes, then you should know that DJI Mavic 3 has the longest flight time. With a spectacular flying length of 46 minutes (the drone with the best flight time ), the Mavic 3 drone allows you to take as many photos as you desire while just using one battery. The drone has a maximum transmission range of 15 kilometers and a live feed at 1080p/60fps.

Its camera has sophisticated Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing. This allows you to fly confidently and safely no matter where you are. Live feeds are also smooth and steady using the O3 Plus Transmission technology. If you’ve ever wondered how far a drone can fly (from the controller), DJI Mavic 3 includes a transmission technology that allows for a 15-kilometer transmission range.

It also offers a Smart Return to Home function. The Mavic 3 camera drone can return to its home point through an optimal, quick, and safe route thanks to a new Advanced RTH technology. Whether it’s due to a low battery or the pilot, returning the drone to you is now easier than ever.

Even if it is more expensive than the other drone models in the article, it certainly offers excellent features, setting a higher standard for aerial photography.

In comparison to the normal Mavic 3 bundle, the DJI Mavic 3 Fly More Combo comes with 2 x extra Intelligent Flight Batteries, 1 x Battery Charging Hub, one Convertible Carrying Bag, and one ND Filters Set (ND4/8/16/32).

• Extended Flight Time, up to 46 Minutes
• Its camera can record up to 5.1K/50fps or 4K/120fps videos
• Upgraded Transmission System (15 km range & 1080p/60fps live feed)
• Faster Focusing due to Vision Detection Auto Focus (VDAF) Technology
• Foldable design & Easy to Fly

Phantom 4 PRO V2.0 - Best Drone to Fly From Boats

The new DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 is currently one of the best drones for marine use, with awesome features such as TapFly, ActiveTrack, Gesture Mode, and Draw Mode. Due to its flexible design, it is extremely easy to transport.

Did you know that the DJI Phantom 4 Pro has a maximum speed of 45 mph (Sport mode) and a maximum flight distance of 11 miles? That makes the drone of the best drones to take with you on your sailing trips.

The drone camera has a 3-axis motorized gimbal as well as a 1-inch 20MP CMOS sensor with a mechanical shutter that minimizes rolling shutter distortion, making it one of the best sailing drones. It offers a video capture resolution of 4K UHD 2160p.

It boasts an 8 km transmission range, a maximum flying speed of 72 kph, 1080p livestreaming, and automated frequency switching thanks to OcuSync 2.0.

Compared to Mavic 2 & Mavic 2 PRO, Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 is larger and heavier but it’s definitely the simplest model to fly from boats due to its large legs (you can easily hand-launch and hand-catch the drone). That’s why Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 is the best drone for boating.

The wind speed resistance of this drone is 22.37 mph (36 km/h). That means 36.08 feet (10 m) per second.

The drone is compatible with the DJI GO 4 App, which requires iOS 10.0.2 or above, as well as Android 5.0 or higher.

• The simplest model to fly from boats due to its large legs
• Easy to travel with due to its small size
• 30 minutes flight time
• Incredible 20MP Camera
• Tap-to Fly and Tap-to Follow Modes
• Powerful Flight Performance (45mph max. speed)

• Best Budget Drone for Sailing

For sailors who like to travel, a drone is an essential tool. If you don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on high-end photography equipment, we recommend you to take a look on the best budget drone for boating.

DJI Mini 2 Fly More

This incredibly ultralight, compact and foldable drone weighs only 249 g, being the best drone for lower budgets. It is the perfect drone for your sailing or boating activity as it can withstand the wind of level 5, the filming being stable even when you are flying along the coastline.

Mini 2 provides amazing image quality thanks to its 12MP camera, 4K/30fps video and a 3-axis motorized gimbal. It has an OcuSync 2.0 video transmission and allows up to 10 km transmission for HD video transmission (720p).

DJI Mini 2 drone has a powerful performance, with a maximum flight time of 31 minutes, enough time to capture the best photos and videos. It offers 4x digital zoom and with just a few touches (Quickshots feature), you will get the professional videos you deserve. Some of the best features are Follow Me and Auto Return, both of which perform perfectly.

In addition, the drone can fly the following pre-planned flights: Helix, Dronie, Circle, and Rocket.

If the drone is close to your phone, the DJI Fly app will detect and connect to it, synchronizing chosen photographs and videos at a rate of 20 MB/s.

In terms of storage, the drone has no internal storage, thus you’ll need to purchase a MicroSD card. It has a storage capacity of up to 256GB (MicroSD card).

• Excellent Features, Fantastic Photos, and Videos
• Wind resistance: Level 5
• Ultralight, Powerful and Easy to use
• 31 minutes of Flying Duration
• 4x Digital Zoom & 4k Ultra-Clear Video
• HD Video Transmission

What Should I Look For When Buying The Best Drone for Boating?

Buying a drone can be complicated, especially if you’re new to the scene of drones. There are lots of features that drones have that make it confusing to know how to pick one.

Choosing the best drone for sailing and boating can be a tough choice. Before you purchase one, though, you need to do your homework. What are the core features of a drone and which ones do you need?

Flying Time

We all know that a great flying time (and range too) is extremely important for your drone to make your life easier.

The best drone for sailing and boating activities should have a minimum flight duration of 30 minutes. Since the flight time of a drone depends on the battery and the technology of consumption optimization, cheap drones can only fly 5 minutes, unlike high-performance drones that have a flight time of about 30 minutes. 

The price of a drone is directly proportional to the maximum flight time. Therefore, we advise you to pay attention to this aspect in order to avoid landing the drone on the ground in a few minutes, in order to change its batteries.

While most DJI drone models have a flight time of approximately 30 minutes, the DJI Mavic 3 is the drone with the longest flight time, up to 46 minutes.

If you run out of a drone battery, after replacing a new battery, we advise you to let the drone rest for 5-10 minutes. This way, you will avoid overheating the engines.

Transmission Range

The farther your drone can fly from the transmitter, the more relaxed you will be.

If a cheap drone can have a range of only 30 meters, the models in this article can travel between 9 km and 15 km (depending on the model) without losing contact with the transmitter.

If you are wondering why this aspect is so important, you should know that when you have a better transmission range, the drone can reach more distant places, obtaining the most beautiful photos and videos.

The DJI Built-in OcuSync 2.0 function allows the drones to automatically switch between two frequencies, extending the drone’s maximum transmission distance up to 10 kilometers for further versatility. This transmission system is available for DJI Mavic 3, DJI Mavic 2 PRO, DJI Mavic 2 Zoom, DJI Mavic Air 2, and Phantom 4 Pro V2.0. The DJI Mavic 3 drone provides an O3 Plus Transmission system with offers you a 15-kilometer transmission range.

The speed of the drone is important when sailing and you want to use the Follow Me feature.

Any boater wants the drone to be able to keep up with the boat. The faster the drone can fly, the more special videos you can get.

Furthermore, you want to prevent losing the drone transmission, so the speed is critical.

The average top speed of drones is between 40 and 60 mph (63-96 km / h), but some can fly up to 70 mph, while cheaper drones can reach a maximum speed of 20 mph.

Camera Quality

Since the purpose of a drone is to take successful photos and awesome videos, the camera’s quality is one of the things to consider when buying a drone.

The camera is among the most expensive parts to make and this influences the price. Usually, the more expensive a drone is, the more it will be related to the quality of the camera.

Factors that influence photo quality are shutter speed, frame rate, aperture, and image stabilization. All of these factors will affect the quality of your photos. More megapixels also allow for greater details in the images, so if excellent images are important to you, consider this as well.

Wind Resistance

The drone’s wind resistance level is measured between 0 and 12, and describes the highest wind speed that the drone can withstand in flight.

Therefore, the better the drone, the better the stability in windy weather conditions. A level 5 wind resistance drone will be able to be maneuvered much easier in windy conditions compared to a level 3 drone.

Thus, the level of wind resistance of drones corresponds to a scale, classifying wind speed into 12 categories. Known as the Beaufort scale , the level represents an empirical measure that links wind speed to weather conditions.

Level 5 is a good level of wind resistance for drones, giving you the possibility for your drone to fly safely up to wind speeds of 10.7 m/s (24mph).  All drones in this article have level 5 of wind resistance. This means that they are suitable for windy conditions.

Drones aren’t easy to fly and it takes time to learn how even the most basic of drones work. The best drone is one that’s easy to fly, offers good value for money and has great features. That’s why there are certain features that are non-negotiable.

There are tons of different types of drones and each has varying types of features. When buying a new drone it is important to know what features you should be looking for to get the most out of your purchase.

• Return to Home . This is a must-have feature. This is a highly helpful safety feature that helps in returning your drone to a safe, accessible landing site. Most DJI drones allows you to command the drone to return to the Home Point (RTH) when needed, when drone’s battery level depletes to a specified level (Low-Battery RTH) or when it happens to lose signal (Failsafe RTH).
• Follow Me . Many drone models include a Follow Me feature that allows the drone to follow you or another item and record a continuous video of the tracked object without you having to operate the drone manually the entire time.
• 3-Axis Gimbal . This mechanism that keeps your camera stable while allowing it to pivot with the machine’s motions is one ofo the things to consider when buying a drone. The various motions that a drone may do are characterized by the 3 axes (pitch, roll, and yaw). A three-axis gimbal can assist your drone’s camera in remaining stable even when in flight.

Why Would You Want a Drone for Sailing?

There are several excellent reasons to carry a drone boating with you. With the evolution of technology, drones have become more compact, high-performance, accessible, and easy to use.

Thus, more and more sailors and boaters have started to use sailing drones as a way to take awesome photos and professional videos. This is also because most drones are equipped with smart features such as “Return to Home” or “Follow Me”.

Here are the reasons to buy a drone for sailing.

Awesome Photos when Sailing

If you are a sailor, it is pretty obvious how a drone can fit into your hobby. In fact, one of the best uses for a drone in relation to sailing is the aerial photography aspect of it (or motion pictures). If you want to get better shots of you foiling downwind, kitesurfing, or whatever type of sailing you enjoy most, an aerial view can help.

Professional Videos

If you’ve spent any amount of time on the water, you already know how amazing the scenery is. Whether you’re cruising through an estuary or out on the ocean, the blue hues and vastness of the natural world is breathtaking. But what if you could capture that beauty in a whole new way? Thanks to these great drones for sailing, more than likely you can!

High-performance filming, these higher-end drones record in higher FPS, giving you the opportunity to get awesome videos.

Whether you want to get aerial footage with your boat while sailing or simply make a video with the people on the boat while having fun, these drones are the best choice.

Great Memories

Sailing is a thrilling experience. When you’re out on the water, you feel free and your adrenaline rush is off the charts.

All of us love sailing as it is an excellent way to get out to sea and feel the wind. There is nothing better than the freedom it gives you being on top of a sailboat. We can count on that with this sport, you have to have a true passion for it. It will be worth your while in the end though.

You should try getting yourself a drone if you want to get the best possible results. A drone is a perfect way to create great sailing memories that will last forever. Besides the fact that drones can capture the whole boat in the image, the aerial images and captivating videos will excite you every time you watch them.

Sailing provides some of the best memories in your life.

Racing and Regattas

So you’re about to enter your first sailing regatta or perhaps you’ve already participated in a few. However, you’re wondering if it would benefit you to have a drone at the event.

If you have ever tried to film yourself sailing at a regatta, then you’re probably aware that it can be quite hard. You need to find a way to mount your camera on the boat, but there’s nothing accessible.

No wonder many sailors use this drone in regattas, as they have higher and faster speeds. Many boaters also enjoy drone racing.

How to Fly a Drone from a Boat

Many people do not know that you can fly a drone from a boat. Drone sailing is one of the coolest ways to relax and have fun with friends.

How to fly and rig a drone from a boat is probably the biggest curiosity of any boater. Although there are several ways you can set up your drone for boating and sailing, here is the safest process.

1. Check the weather conditions

It is advisable not to fly in rain or wind conditions above the wind resistance level of the drone. It is best to use one of the best wind apps to check the wind predictions. It is recommended to fly the drone only if the wind speed is below 15 knots (less than 20 mph) and the chance of precipitation is below 10%.

2. Make a Pre-Flight Checklist

You should always have a pre-flight checklist in order to be checked before you fly. This helps you make sure everything is fine with the drone and you can fly safely. Here’s what your pre-flight checklist should contain:

• Check the physical condition of the drone, more precisely look for cracks in the propeller;
• Check the regulations for the area where you want to fly. You don’t want to find yourself in a no-fly zone;
• Check the condition of the batteries, as they are recommended to be 100% charged;
• Check that the controller and the drone are properly connected;
• Calibrate the compass before every flight;
• Check your camera settings and make sure there is a memory card in the drone if you intend to shoot images or movies;
• While flying, keep an eye on the drone’s settings.

3. Taking off and Landing your Drone on a Boat

The most important aspects of a drone flight are takeoff and landing.

Before taking off, make sure you are in an open area to fly the drone without worries.

When you are ready to take off your drone, you can follow the safety list:

• Before you start your drone, come to a complete stop on the boat. This permits the inertial measurement unit’s (IMU) electrical sensors to settle;
• Turn off the visual positioning system (VPS) over water because the movement of water can cause the drone to act improperly: sonic and optical sensors may have difficulty locking in on something fluid;
• Because the boat will have moved from the take-off position after a few minutes of flight, you must set the home point to Dynamic mode so that the remote control is always the return-to-home point.
• Start the drone;
• Check the battery level again and confirm the drone settings;
• If you fly your drone from your boat, the best method is you launch by hand because most boats are made of a lot of metal, which causes compass errors; Lifting the drone off the metal surfaces can eliminate the possible compass errors.
• If you fly your drone from land, slowly push the throttle up (the left stick) to begin the propellers spinning. Then pause. You can repeat this many times until you’re satisfied with the throttle’s sensitivity.
• Increase acceleration to raise the drone to eye-level altitude for about 10 seconds;
• Listed for abnormal sounds. Thus, in case of noticing a problem, you will be able to land the drone to fix the problem;
• If all goes well, the drone’s altitude begins to rise.

When you are ready to land the drone, you can use smart features like Return to Home and the drone does everything for a safe landing. Once landed, make sure the propellers have stopped moving.

If you want to hand-catch the drone you should know that catching a drone by hand is extremely risky. That’s why it’s recommended to wear a tight-fitting leather garden glove while preparing to hand-catch the drone. Gloves will not completely protect your hand from the propellers, but they will help.

Be aware of the direction and speed of the water current and the wind as the landing process will depend on the drift of your boat.

When landing in the hands of the catcher or on the boat, the drone’s engines will stop for a few seconds harder than on land, because the boat is in constant motion and the drone will not “recognize” that it is on land.

After the engines have stopped, turn off the drone (turn off the battery power) before moving the drone or removing the propellers.

Drone boating is a fun and exciting new sport that is gaining momentum around the world. As a drone boater, you understand how fun and exciting it is to be able to take your drone flying.

So, what is the best drone for boating? Knowing which one is best for your own specific purpose will enable you to make an informed decision.

A drone for sailing is a tool that every sailor should have. Not only drones make great pictures, but they can help you if you get in trouble at sea.

We hope we gave you a solid starting point for choosing the best drone for sailing.

F.A.Q. about the Best Drones for Sailing and Boating

Which drone has the longest flight time.

DJI Mavic 3 is one of the best drones with the longest flight time: 46 minutes.

How far can I fly a drone?

A high-end consumer drone, such as the DJI Mavic 3, has a range of up to 9.3 miles (15km). Also, Mavic 2 PRO, Mavic Air 2, Mavic 2 Zoom drones have a transmission range of 10 km.

What is the longest lasting drone battery?

The DJI Mavic 3 has the longest battery life of any drone on the market. The Mavic 3 is rated for up to 46 minutes of flying duration on a full battery charge, giving you extra time to capture the best shots, videos, or simply fly around to explore the surroundings.

Can I land a drone on a boat?

You can land a drone on your boat. As a landing pad, you can use a wet towel if you intend to land your drone on a boat deck. It will perfectly stick to the deck and legs of the drone.

Can I fly my drone from a boat?

You can fly your drone from a boat. DJI drones are the best models to fly from boats even if you have to launch and catch the drone manually (hand-launch and hand-catch).

What is the best drone for windy conditions?

DJI Maic Air 2 is probably the best drone for windy conditions because it is very light (20.01 oz / 1.25 lbs / 570 g) and has a level 5 wind resistance.

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The 6 Best Drones For Sailing 2024

There’s no doubt that drones have taken the world by storm in recent years, and the best drones for sailing have come on leaps and bounds in terms of quality and affordability.

Drones can enhance sailing experiences by providing an aerial view of the surroundings. They can give family, friends, and a wider audience a real insight into what sailing life is like, and you can even use them to scout out a potential anchorage ahead of arrival.

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Having lived aboard our sailboat for over three years now and sailed thousands of miles, we’ve been through our fair share of drones. Some have been amazing, others not so much (the one that flew off of its own accord and crashed into a tree as soon as we turned it on has not made the list!)

In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best drones for sailing and provide tips on how to use them effectively, based on our own experiences and from using the drones of several of our sailboat friends to test them out for this article.

So, whether you’re a seasoned sailor or just getting started, be sure to read on for some helpful insights!

What Qualities Should You Look For In The Best Drone For Sailing?

If you’re looking for the best drones for sailing, there are a few key qualities you should look for.

Of course, the best drone to use is the one you have, so if you can’t afford a drone with some of these capabilities then we would highly recommend you opt for a cheaper model and accept the fact you can’t fly it in high winds, or that the video quality might not be as good.

First, you’ll want to make sure that the drone is stable in windy conditions. This is especially important if you’ll be using the drone to capture video or take photos while sailing.

We’ve all seen drone footage that’s shaky and all over the place, and the wind when you’re on a sailboat can be twice as bad as on land. For really decent footage from a sailboat drone, you’ll want one that has great stability even in high winds.

Flight time

One of the most annoying things about drones is their battery life! Just when you’re about to get the perfect shot, the battery runs low and you have to fly it back. Look for a drone with decent battery life, and even better, a sailing drone with more than one battery so you can swap over quickly without charging.

Video quality

Consider how you’re going to use the footage from your drone. If you’re happy with a few snapshots for the family photo album then quality might not be so important to you. If you’re keen to use photos and videos in a more professional capacity then you’ll want to keep a close eye on the video quality of the sailboat drone you’re buying.

You’ll want to make sure that the drone is easy to control. Look for a model with intuitive controls and a user-friendly interface. There is nothing worse than a drone that’s really fiddly or hard to control when you’re trying to launch and land it on a sailboat.

Top tip: Don’t forget to store your drone properly. Obviously this is good practice wherever you are but on a sailboat, it’s even more important. Saltwater and rolly surfaces are not great for delicate parts. We can highly recommend the Peak Design everyday sling . Perfect for onboard storage and trips off the boat too. Read our Peak Design sling review for more information.

The Best Drone For Sailing

#1 The DJI Phantom 4 Pro – Best all-round drone for sailing

The DJI Phantom 4 Pro is one of the best drones for sailboats. It has a high-quality camera that can take stunning photos and videos, and it’s also incredibly easy to fly. We aren’t lucky enough to own one of these ourselves, but we do know several sailors who have them and have been kind enough to let us review them.

This is a sleek, high-end drone that can fly up to 45 miles per hour in favourable conditions. It can stand up to ocean strong winds so you needn’t worry about it being swept away when you need to nail the shot!

It can film 4k videos at 60 frames a second and is fitted with a 20-megapixel camera, so you won’t compromise on photo quality either. This really is an excellent sailboat drone.

The DJI Phantom 4 Pro is a high-end drone that offers excellent features and performance. However, there are some downsides to consider before purchasing this drone.

First, the Phantom 4 Pro is quite expensive, costing around $1,500. This makes it one of the most costly consumer drones on the market.

Secondly, the Phantom 4 Pro is large and heavy, making it difficult to transport and store.

Finally, the drone’s battery life is only about 20 minutes, which is shorter than some other drones in its class. This can actually be a bit of a pain, as although 20 minutes sounds like a long time, you really want to bring it in earlier so you don’t risk running out of battery on the way back.

Despite these drawbacks, the Phantom 4 Pro remains a popular choice for serious drone enthusiasts due to its excellent features and performance, and we can see why.

Buy now from Amazon

#2 The Yuneec Typhoon – Best for videography

The Yuneec Typhoon is a highly popular drone for sailing that offers several advantages over the other options on this list.

The Typhoon is very easy to fly, making it a great choice for beginners or those who are not familiar with drones, though the price may put first-time users off.

It has a decent camera which is capable of taking high-quality photos and videos. The Typhoon’s camera is also equipped with GPS, meaning that users can easily track their progress and location.

The main advantage of this sailing drone over other, cheaper models on this list is its stability feature. The Typhoon is a hexacopter with 6 propellers, which makes it extra stable even in the strongest winds. This means the videos and photo quality will be a cut above the rest in bad weather. If you’re a keen videographer then this might be the best drone for sailing for your needs.

The Yuneec Typhoon is a popular drone often lauded for its features and ease of use. However, there are some potential drawbacks to consider before purchasing this sailing drone.

This is an expensive drone. The reason for this is the stabilisation, but for users not familiar with drones or hobbyists, it may be a big expense for not much reward. Consider whether you need a technical, high-quality drone for your footage or whether you will be happy to fly your drone during fine weather.

#3 The DJI Mavic Pro 2 – Best high quality

The DJI Mavic 2 Pro is an awesome bit of kit. This drone is one of our favorite drones for sale, and it may cost a pretty penny but you are certainly getting your money’s worth!

This powerful flying machine features a 20-megapixel camera with inbuilt stability technology to improve picture quality no matter what kind of weather conditions you’re experiencing out there.

Not only does this high-tech gadget have 8GB of storage capacity, it’s also SD card friendly so you can add a whopping 128 gigabytes via SD card slots if you need more space.

This drone has one of the longest flight times on this list, 30 minutes worth of flying fun. It’s also tiny, so you won’t have any trouble storing it aboard.

Honestly, the only real con to this sailing drone is the price tag, but even then it’s well worth the money!

#4 The Parrot Bebop 2 – Best mid-range option

The Parrot Bebop 2 Power is the improved version of the former model. This drone has one of the most impressive flight times on this list, boasting up to 30 minutes in the air.

Key features like automated shot modes make this drone easier to fly, and we especially love the follow object mode that allows you to hand over a little more control to the drone.

The drone comes with two batteries and a range of other fun accessories. You can pick one up for around £600, so while it certainly isn’t cheap, it isn’t one of the most expensive drones on this list either.

The Bebop 2’s video quality is only slightly better than that of its predecessor, which is a shame considering the price.

With in-app purchases, you can unlock more features for this drone like emergency crashing protection and increased storage capacity– but you might be put off by the fact you have to pay for features that other drone brands include in the price.

You should be aware that it’s limited to 8GB of internal storage.

#5 Holy Stone HS700E – Best budget drone for sailing

Holy Stone’s HS700E is a great drone for those who want to get up high and see all that their surroundings have to offer. This is one of the cheaper drone models on this list and it’s a great option for beginners who want to hone in their skills before splashing out on something more premium. This is a rugged drone that is well suited to the sailing environment.

This model comes with three intelligent batteries, which provide 23 minutes each time you fly it. You won’t be faffing around charging batteries before you can fly again.

The brushless motors are powerful but quiet so as not to disturb anyone around you when in operation. Additionally, there’s an air optical flow control system included that allows this birdie bot to take flight smoothly and hover stably.

#6 The Splash Drone 3 Auto – Best waterproof drone for sailing

This drone is pretty unique, and perfectly suited to sailing because it’s actually designed for wet and wild surroundings.

The Splash Drone 3 Auto is completely waterproof, so you can even land it in the ocean and it won’t mind one little bit (though depending on how deep the sea is at the time of the crash, you might have a thing or two to say!)

This is a bit of a gimmicky drone at the moment and hasn’t quite reached the quality of the other drones on this list. The main benefit is its waterproof capabilities, so you can feel comfortable flying it over shallow anchorages. But that’s not to say it isn’t a great drone for making memories with.

It has a flight time of around 15 minutes, so one of the shorter flight times on this list but still enough to get the shot. It reaches top speeds of 30 knots – we’re pretty sure that will keep up with your sailboat. It has stabilisation that’s adequate and will record 4k footage.

In summary, this is a fab little drone that you can feel confident about flying in the wet conditions that sailing life brings.

Why Use A Drone On A Sailboat?

Sailboat drones have become more and more popular among sailors in recent years, and for good reason. Not only are they a unique and creative way of capturing memories and creating beautiful artwork, but they can actually be quite useful too!

Drones can also be used to help sailboats navigate through difficult waters. Thanks to their small size and maneuverability, drones can be used to explore areas that would be otherwise inaccessible. For example, a drone could be used to investigate a reef before sailing into it.

Can You Fly A Drone Off Your Sailboat?

The answer is yes, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

First of all, make sure that you’re using a drone that is rated well for use on a sailboat (any from this list will work great). It needs to withstand the force of the wind and other less than ideal conditions.

You will also want to read up on how to land a drone on a sailboat (see below). It’s a little trickier than a simple land-based landing, so make sure you practice on land first to make sure you’ve got the hang of it.

You’ll also want to make sure that you’re familiar with the local laws and regulations regarding drone use. In some areas, there may be restrictions on where you can fly your drone, so it’s important to check before you take off.

With those things in mind, flying a drone off your sailboat can be a great way to get some unique footage or photos. Just make sure to follow the guidelines and stay safe!

How Do You Catch A Drone On A Sailboat?

There are a few things to consider when trying to catch a drone on a sailboat.

Disable the Obstacle Avoidance System

Most drones have an obstacle avoidance system that prevents them from crashing into objects. This is usually really handy, but with so many things around on a sailboat the drone can start acting up. It’s actually easier to land a drone on a sailboat with the obstacle avoidance system disabled.

Land your sailboat drone from the side of the boat

This is usually the best direction to fly the drone home from, as there are fewer obstacles. Take your approach from the side of the boat to give yourself as much room as possible.

Slow is pro

Take your time and be prepared to have a few attempts. The worst thing you can do is to try and rush a landing on a sailboat. Make sure you aren’t trying to multi-task, and that you can concentrate fully on the job at hand!

Catch the drone from where you have the most space

Finally, it’s also worth considering where on the sailboat you’re positioned. The bow (front) of the boat will offer the best visibility, but it may be easier to catch a drone from the stern (back) where there is more open space.

Ultimately, there is no one guaranteed method for catching a drone on a sailboat, but by taking into account factors like wind and position, you’ll give yourself the best chance of success.

Conclusion: The Best Sailboat Drone

If you are looking for the best drone for sailing, then we highly recommend the drones we have reviewed on this list, that have been tried and tested by experienced sailors.

Drones are perfect for capturing stunning footage of your sailboat as it cuts through the waves, or showing off the stunning anchorages you experience on your journeys. So whether you’re filming professionally or capturing memories, make sure you have your sailboat drone with you next time you head out on the water.

If you’re interested in life on a sailboat then be sure to check out our ‘How to live at sea’ guidebook , which teaches you all you need to know before and during your move onto a sailboat.

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